Clayton Ensminger

Clayton Ensminger is a self-made entrepreneur who started his ecommerce company EKnives in 2013 out of his spare bedroom. Clayton was looking for an ecommerce product to sell and after many failures, he decided he wanted to start an online knife company. After selling his Harley Davidson for $15,000, he took all the money and decided to start purchasing inventory to sell online. Now Clayton has his sights set on becoming one of the largest most respected knife retailers in the world, one customer at a time. Have a Knife Day!

What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?

I wake up and workout, read, pray, and cold plunge, and then I go to work. My morning routine makes sure I’m productive throughout the day. I have a daily list I call the “Power List” and it is how my day keeps on schedule and on task.

How do you bring ideas to life?

The honest answer is I visualize and meditate and write things down. Then I take action on things I want to make a reality.

What’s one trend that excites you?

The use of AI is very intriguing to me.

What is one habit that helps you be productive?

My daily use of my “power list” to complete my must-do tasks every day.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Take Massive Action and always remember, you can’t steer a parked car.

Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you.

I believe that passion can be built for anything, I don’t believe you have to follow your passion. I believe it is created when you put time in on something you are interested in.

What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?

Workout and Cold Plunge

When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?

I workout or take a walk/run outside.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?

I have become good at making decisions and not overthinking them. More is lost by indecision than by wrong decision.

What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?

I filed for bankruptcy in 2007 before I found personal development. When I went to work on myself, read, podcasts, etc., and started to build self-confidence, I became the person I am now.

What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Harnesses for French Bulldogs that use strong Velcro instead of clips.

What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

We just started using Skuvault, an inventory system that allows us to keep track of inventory, purchase orders, etc. It is a game-changer!

What is the best $100 you recently spent?

I recently gave a homeless person $100 and it made me feel good. If you give to others it comes back to you tenfold, I truly believe and see it happen all the time.

Do you have a favorite book or podcast from which you’ve received much value?

My favorite book is Extreme Ownership, everyone should read it. My fav podcast is Real AF (previously MFCEO project). Both of those have changed my life and business trajectory tremendously.

What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?

Jack Ryan because it’s action-packed and keeps you guessing all the time.

Key learnings:

• Don’t be afraid to take action on your dreams.
• Visualize what you want and where you want to go.
• Take care of your body and your mind will follow.
• Plan your day every morning and you are going to win.
• You will get everything you want if you give enough to others.